Final answer:
During independent assortment, pairs of homologous chromosomes line up and separate at the metaphase plate during meiosis I, contributing to genetic diversity in offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
During independent assortment, pairs of homologous chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate and separate. This random arrangement and separation lead to the production of genetically diverse gametes, which is fundamental to the process of sexual reproduction. Independent assortment occurs during meiosis I, where the orientation of tetrads on the metaphase plate is random, resulting in various combinations of paternal and maternal chromosomes in each gamete.
The total possible number of different gametes can be calculated using the formula 2n, where n is the number of chromosomes in a set. For example, in a cell with two chromosomes (n = 2), there are four possible genetic combinations. This randomness in the distribution of chromosomes during meiosis is the physical basis for generating genetic variation among offspring.